Romans 9:27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, “THOUGH THE NUMBER OF THE SONS OF ISRAEL BE LIKE THE SAND OF THE SEA, IT IS THE REMNANT THAT WILL BE SAVED; (NASB1995)

Paul speaks again of the remnant in chapter 11 of Romans, and though what is not specifically stated can certainly be derived from his teaching concerning the Olive tree. The remnant from Israel both past and present remained in that tree at the time of the addition or grafting in of gentiles. This is then a tree in which all the chosen faithful believers of God’s calling do reside.

So is it different from the body of Christ the church? Some vote yes and some no, but which is it? The answer I believe then is derived from what Christ did with the remnant of Israel who were up until His death resident in paradise. To the thief He stated: “this day thou shalt be with me in paradise”. These were souls in paradise to whom Jesus preached, and then suddenly along with His assent He transferred paradise into the third heaven, where Paul was later taken, whether in or out of the body he knew not, but to paradise in heaven it is made clear that he was taken.

The acceptance of Jesus as savior Paul teaches is a necessary act for the salvation leading to the resurrection of all men (1 Cor.15). So did Jesus begin the building of His church with the transfer of paradise presenting it to His Father? It certainly would seem so, since on the day of Pentecost when we are told that Jesus began His church, instead the word states that on that day there were added to the church 3000 men (men and women), who obviously later became souls who entered paradise awaiting Jesus to resurrect their bodies.

Romans 9:31 but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at [that] law. 32 Why? Because [they did] not [pursue it] by faith, but as though [it were] by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, (NASB1995)

Just as it is that faith without works is dead; so works without faith are also dead.

May the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You oh Lord my God and my savior.

Those in Christ are His brethren, His remnant, His Olive Tree, His body, His church, His bride.